Articles
In Due Time
Paul concludes the great Resurrection Chapter (1 Corinthians 15) with this grand crescendo: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (v. 58 NASB).
How easy it is to get discouraged and look at the world through woes-colored glasses! Like Elijah, we may feel totally defeated and alone (1 Kings 19:4, 10). Or like Moses, we may grow weary from dealing with extremely difficult people (Numbers 11:10-15). At times we may suffer from a sense of futility—so much evil in the world, and all our best efforts seem to be in vain.
Would farmers plant or gardeners cultivate if they never hoped for a harvest? In addressing the problem of discouragement Paul does not say, “Toil on with no thought of reward; labor on though all your efforts amount to nothing.”
Instead he says, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9, emphasis added). The will is up to God; the if is up to us. God guarantees a great harvest to those who persevere.
Taken in faith, this prescription for discouragement can keep us going when we’re tempted to give up. God knew there would be times when we would need to hear these comforting, soul-uplifting words: “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”
Adapted from an article in the daily devotional guide Power for Today
